How to Improve the Survival Rate When Grafting Persimmon Trees

Grafting is a very commonly used planting technique at present, and for persimmon trees, grafting is generally the most commonly used method, but in the process of using grafting technology, the survival rate is not as satisfactory as one would hope. There are many factors that affect the grafting survival rate, such as choosing the wrong rootstock, poor quality of the rootstock and scion, grafting time, weather, improper grafting techniques and methods, and so on. So how do we improve the survival rate of persimmon tree grafting? Let's take a look together below.

1. Selection of rootstock and scion

Improper selection of the rootstock is the most basic cause of persimmon tree grafting failure. We should select relatively robust one-year-old or three-year-old persimmon branches with a diameter of about two to three cm to use as the rootstock for grafting. As for the scion, we should first choose rootstock seedlings suitable for grafting persimmon trees, for example, excellent seedlings with smooth bark and no pests or diseases. Only when both the rootstock and scion are properly selected can the subsequent work proceed smoothly.

2. Grafting time and climate

For grafting, we generally choose an overcast day with no wind and relatively high humidity. Although a day with relatively high humidity is required, we cannot choose a rainy day for grafting, and grafting cannot be done before or after rain either, because it will affect the healing ability of the seedlings and lead to grafting failure. Grafting also cannot be done on a sunny day; the survival rate of grafting on sunny days is very low, because persimmon trees produce a high amount of tannins during this period, which will hinder the healing of the rootstock and scion.

3. Grafting techniques and methods

At present, there are three grafting techniques for persimmon trees, namely cleft grafting, bud grafting, and sleeve grafting. The cleft grafting method is suitable in spring, that is, around March, when the sap of the rootstock is flowing, the buds are swelling, and the scion is in a dormant state; only by using cleft grafting will the survival rate be greater. Bud grafting, on the other hand, is suitable in summer, generally during the period from the Beginning of Summer to Grain in Ear, and especially at Grain Full the grafting survival rate is the highest. For autumn grafting, the sleeve grafting method is generally used, mainly during the period from August to September.

4. Post-grafting management methods

After grafting persimmon trees, we should frequently check the grafting situation. Promptly remove the shoots sprouting from the rootstock so as to avoid affecting the healing of the rootstock and scion. Next, after survival, promptly untie the binding or loosen the sleeve. If the persimmon tree was grafted in summer, we also need to promptly cut off the rootstock above the grafted bud. Finally, do a good job in field management, promptly carrying out watering, weeding, loosening the soil, and topdressing.

I believe many people have tried the grafting method for persimmon trees, or even grafting methods for other seedlings, and the survival rates vary from high to low, which mainly lies in the problem of grafting technique. These are the simple methods compiled on how to improve the survival rate of persimmon tree grafting, and I hope they can help all friends who love grafting.